Cozy Beef Stew

A warm and hearty beef stew featuring tender beef, savory bacon, and a medley of vegetables, perfect for chilly evenings.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 45

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Main Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes Choose high-quality, marbled pieces.
4 slices bacon, chopped
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, diced Can substitute with sweet potatoes.
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups red wine For deglazing.
4 cups beef broth May substitute with vegetable broth.
2 tablespoons cornstarch For thickening the stew.
2 tablespoons olive oil Add as needed.
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) for garnish Enhances flavor and presentation.

Preparation

Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear in the bacon fat until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the beef.
If necessary, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
Add carrots and diced potatoes to the pot; cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up bits stuck to the bottom. Simmer the wine for a few minutes.

Cooking

Add the beef broth, seared beef, and reserved bacon back into the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 1.5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
Stir occasionally and keep the lid partially covered.
Mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the stew to thicken.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Pairs well over mashed potatoes or with a crusty baguette. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.